Paawani Tewari, aspiring to make the world a better place for women to work & excel in their lives, will be joining GHD after two years at Vedica Foundation, a New Delhi-based nonprofit that runs the Vedica Scholars Programme for Women. This unique, all-women, residential, 18-month program in management practice and leadership ensures that each scholar is positioned for a successful, break-free career in the contemporary workplace. As the manager for strategy and research in the founder’s office, Paawani was responsible for managing academic partnerships, content, and curriculum development, among other things. During her time at Vedica, she also spearheaded the City of Women - Delhi project, through which she was able to reach over a million people, creating awareness about the importance of increasing the mobility of women in public spaces.

Paawani holds a bachelor’s degree with a triple major in economics, political science and sociology from Christ University, Bangalore, along with a master’s in public policy from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. She has worked as a research intern with organizations like the Economic Advisory Council to the PM - Niti Aayog, Government of India, and the Indian National Congress.

Her mission is to empower women through education and professional development initiatives. She aims to dismantle the multifaceted economic, cultural, and political barriers that women across the world face. Paawani is interested in working as a development/social impact leader with global (multilateral) organizations and advocates for change by creating innovative solutions that will empower women, promote sustainability, and foster economic growth. Looking ahead to 2032, she hopes to have established a safe and nurturing environment for underprivileged women & children in her father’s birthplace, Mandhana, Uttar Pradesh, India.